Theft and vandalism of Eskom’s infrastructure remain a major threat to continuous electricity supply and public safety
Image: Eskom/Facebook
Eskom says while there has been a notable decrease in theft and vandalism of its infrastructure, the problem still remains. Eskom says it has observed a spike in theft-related incidents, including the removal of pylon steel structures, illegal sand mining around pylons, and the siphoning of oil from transformers.
The utility reported a trend where people are throwing metal chains and wires onto power lines.
"This causes flashovers that trip power lines and disrupt supply," Eskom said.
Many residents in the Centurion area have expressed frustration over prolonged power outages following Brakfontein Substation explosion last week.
Image: Supplied/ City of Tshwane
Eskom explained that between April 2024 to February 2025, it lost around R221 million due to theft and vandalism.
It added that this figure is a decrease from the R271m the utility lost during the previous period.
The service provider said it is still dealing with criminal syndicates targeting essential equipment, including mini-substations, pylons and transformers.
This, Eskom said, disrupts electricity supply and poses a major safety risk.
In a recent operation, Eskom said six people were arrested with Eskom property valued at R1.5 million. The accused have already appeared in court.
Eskom's Monde Bala urged communities to also play a role in safeguarding and protecting infrastructure.
Unplanned power outagesBala said vandalism results in unplanned power outages, often leaving homes and businesses without electricity for extended periods.
"The restoration process can be prolonged, particularly when essential infrastructure such as transformers or high-voltage breaker components is damaged, as these items can take weeks to replace," he said.
KwaZulu-Natal police arrested six suspects found in possession of stolen Eskom property worth an astonishing R1.5 million.
Image: SAPS
Bala said those tampering with electrical infrastructure face serious, in some cases fatal, injuries. Bala said Eskom has seen a reduction in crime due to a working partnership with law enforcement agencies and heightened security measures.
"We cannot continue to lose members of our communities to these preventable incidents. Everyone must remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and reject the notion that vandalism is an acceptable means of survival. These acts compromise electricity supply and place additional strain on Eskom’s ability to serve its customers," Bala said.
Eskom calls on all community members to take an active role in protecting electrical infrastructure by reporting any vandalism or suspicious behaviour immediately via at 0800 11 27 22, sending an SMS to 31090, or contacting local municipalities.
Eskom calls on all community members to take an active role in protecting electrical infrastructure by reporting any vandalism or suspicious behaviour immediately via at 0800 11 27 22, sending an SMS to 31090, or contacting local municipalities.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL
Related Topics: